Tributes have been paid to an Earby grandfather who was described as the heart of the restaurant he worked at.

Roy Spragg, died on Friday, May 3, aged 81. He suffered a heart attack.

Zak Marhraoui, owner of The Wellsprings restaurant in Sabden, paid tribute to his father-in-law.

Customers at the restaurant may recognise Roy, who worked as a host during weekends over the last 25 years, meeting and greeting guests as they arrived.

Zak said the teams’ hearts are broken after hearing the news.

He said: “This is the hardest thing to write but to all of our customers and staff past and present, our hearts have been broken today by the news of Roy sadly passing away in his sleep.

“Roy was The Wellsprings. He absolutely loved seeing and talking to each and every one of you. He made everyone laugh and smile and was such a massive part of your Wellsprings experience.

“He was such a positive, loving and caring human with so much wisdom to share about the world.

“Everyone that met Roy will know just how much of a special person he was.

"Everyone that had the pleasure of working with Roy adored him and really looked after him. He was our superstar at work.

“Roy you are a legend and we all love you so much! You were such an inspirational gentleman.

“We will look out for you in our sunsets every evening. Words can't express how much you meant to our Wellsprings Family. You will be missed so much.”

Zak wants to thank the hundreds of customers and members of the community who have shared their condolences.

Roy leaves behind his wife Jennifer Spragg, his daughter, Catherine Marhraoui and his grandson, Sam Marhraoui.

Sam said his grandad was “everything he aspired to be”.

He said: “You were my biggest role model. If anyone asks me what I want to be when I'm older, I'll say I want to be like my grandad.

Lancashire Telegraph: Roy Spragg (middle) and The Wellsprings team Roy Spragg (middle) and The Wellsprings team (Image: Zak Marhraoui)

“Your wisdom and sense of humour was unmatched. Your ability to light up a room with your laugh and smile was amazing and I just can't believe you're not with me. I know you were so proud of me and I'll continue to make you proud.

“I always looked forward to our Wednesdays together and working with you at the weekend. We never had a dull moment as it was always busy at work and we always had a laugh.

"You were a superstar at work and everyone loved you. Your smile. Your laugh. You were The Wellsprings.

“You taught me how to love life and live life to the fullest. You taught me how to smile through the pain.

"You taught me how to look at the bright side of life. Your love for music. Your love for life. 

“I just can't believe you're not here with me. Anytime I felt upset, you were there.

"Whenever I felt I couldn't overcome whatever obstacle was put in front of me, you were there.

"Words can't describe how much you meant to me but you were a legend. And I'll miss you for the rest of my life.

“I'll look after everyone for you. You were one of a kind. I don't think I'll ever meet anyone as amazing as you. No words can describe how I feel but from the bottom of my heart.”

One customer said:” Struggling to put into words how saddened we are to hear the news of the loss of Roy.

“Being regular customers of the Wellsprings for far too many years, to my family Roy was Mr Wellsprings.

“Unaware of the terrible news, we actually had a family meal there on Saturday evening and I remarked to my partner it was such a shame he wasn't working.

“Roy's kind, warm, welcoming, friendly, cheerful, jovial manner made the dining experience at the Wellsprings completely unique.”

Another customer said: “Roy was a true gentleman and I have such fabulous memories of him at The Wellsprings.

“He was such a special person who had a huge impact on everyone he met. Roy, you really will be missed.”